President Donald Trump has announced intentions to close America's Department of Education, leading to the dismissal of half of its workforce. The ruling right-wing Republican Party has expressed its preference for downsizing the department, viewing this move as the first step in a broader plan for its closure.
Just as he took office on January 20th, Trump declared his ambition to reduce weak and inefficient bureaucracy. In line with this, his administration has already laid off thousands of workers nationwide.
Linda McMahon, who assumed her role as U.S. Secretary of Education just five days ago, stated in a Fox News interview that the staff reduction was a direct result of Trump's decision.
Former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, McMahon emphasized, 'I have clear instructions to close the Department of Education, and we understand that achieving this goal requires collaboration with Congress. Today's actions are a pioneering step toward eliminating bureaucratic overreach.'
On Tuesday, agency staffers were instructed to leave their offices. These employees managed student loans, monitored their achievements, and enforced civil rights.
Why does Trump want to shut down the Department of Education?
When Donald Trump assumed the presidency, the department staffed approximately 4,100 individuals. Under the oversight of billionaire businessman and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a plan was set in motion to reduce the workforce. In recent weeks, around 600 employees have agreed to resign or retire.
A statement revealed that 1,300 additional staff members would be placed on administrative leave starting March 21st, although they would continue to receive pay until June. It also indicated that staff reductions would occur across all sectors.
During his presidential campaign, Trump vowed to decentralize education and transfer the Department of Education's powers to state governments. Historically, the federal role in U.S. education has been minimal, with only 13% of funding for primary and secondary schools coming from the treasury. The remainder is funded by state and local communities.
However, treasury funds are crucial for low-income schools and students with special needs. Legally, the Department of Education, established in 1979, cannot be dissolved without congressional approval.
Democrats oppose the plan to dismantle the Department of Education
Democrats are actively contesting Trump's plan. Former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Democratic Senator Patty Murray, has accused Trump of trying to destroy the Department of Education.
She argued, 'Families want their children to excel in all subjects and succeed. Instead, Donald Trump is dismantling the Department of Education, depriving students and teachers of vital resources and support in order to fund more generous tax cuts for Republican billionaires. Trump is offering students and schools fewer teachers, less accountability, fewer resources, and more chaos.'
